Sod turned on Epworth cancer centre

A NEW $2.8 million cancer treatment centre is coming to Epworth Geelong, and the six-month build is expected to create more than 80 jobs.

The state-of-the-art centre is the first private radiation oncology facility within the region and will provide patients with greater access to advanced radiation for cancer treatment.

The centre will feature cutting-edge technology able to treat small tumours and is set to open at the rear of the Waurn Ponds hospital early next year.

The technology provides precision when treating small tumours commonly located in the brain, spine or lung, while limiting radiation doses to surrounding healthy tissue.

More than 80 construction workers will be hired for the build, with the project set to support the employment of extra staff in off-site manufacturing, transport and logistics.

It will also create additional health worker jobs, and is expected to have up to 10 staff working on any one day.

The Icon Group facility will offer a range of radiation therapy techniques, including advanced stereotactic radiation therapy. The technology provides pinpoint precision when treating small tumours commonly located in the brain, spine or lung.

Epworth Geelong chief executive officer Damian Armour said the new facility would provide patients a new standard of technology to meet a growing need in the region.

“With cancer rates predicted to rise across the next 10 years and more than half of all patients expected to require some form of radiation therapy, there is a growing need for cancer services in Geelong.

“By hosting the only private radiation oncology centre within the region, we’ll strengthen our commitment to comprehensive cancer care by adding radiation treatment to our existing medical, surgical and rehabilitation cancer services.”

Icon Group chief executive Mark Middleton said the centre would offer a greater breadth of treatment and keep people from travelling outside the region.

“Together, Epworth and Icon are opening up greater choice for patients with cancer in the greater Geelong area.

“Icon will be opening with the most advanced radiation technology and techniques available.”

South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman joined Epworth Geelong and Icon Group on Monday to turn the first sod to mark the start of construction.

“I welcome the investment that has been made into this fantastic new centre,” Mr Cheeseman said.

“I also welcome the jobs that it will create, and the ongoing improved health services that this will bring to the local community.”